9 Best Wineries in Stanthorpe: Chasing the Strange Bird
Queensland is rarely recognized amongst Australia’s best wine-producing states. However, the winemakers of the Granite Belt, are working tirelessly to change that. And now they are starting to develop a reputation for their Strange Bird varieties. We took the opportunity to visit and discover the best wineries in Stanthorpe and the Granite Belt.
Strange Bird is a designation used by winemakers in the Granite Belt region to describe alternative wines. Wines that are produced from grape varieties represent 1% or less of the total bearing vines in Australia. In a country dominated by Shiraz and Sauvignon Blanc, Cab Sav, and Chardonnay, one would be forgiven for thinking Australia just doesn’t grow much else. But Queensland’s premier wine region is challenging that notion.
Two hundred kilometers southwest of Brisbane, The Granite Belt is a scenic tableland on the Great Dividing Range. The region straddles the state border between Queensland and New South Wales border. The Granite Belt takes its name from the prevalent granite boulders that dot the landscape. At the center of the region, the country town of Stanthorpe has become synonymous with the wider area. Queensland’s coldest region is renowned for its climate, orchards, natural beauty, and, amongst those in the know, its wine.
Severe drought, bushfires, and most recently the pandemic have had devastating impacts on the wineries here. However, the embattled winemakers here have proved their resilience, throwing open the doors to their cellars once more.
Here you will find tiny to small wineries. Owned and operated by passionate craftspeople eager to share their wares, passion, and knowledge with visitors. With many wines here only available at the cellar door, it is a unique experience. Although we didn’t get to try them all, these were our picks for the best wineries in Stanthorpe and the Granite Belt.
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The Best Wineries in Stanthorpe
With over 50 wineries in the Granite Belt region, finding the perfect one for you may take a little bit of leg work. Luckily for you, we sat in the seats and drank the wine to give you a taste of what is to come and help you widdle down the list to the best wineries in Stanthorpe to visit!
Symphony Hill Wines
Symphony Hill Wines was, for us, one of the best wineries in Stanthorpe. With numerous awards and popular wines available through bottle shops, airlines, and Australian restaurants, we weren’t sure if the experience would be as personal as some of the smaller wineries nearby. We were pleasantly surprised. We enjoyed a tasting of over ten (to be honest we lost count) of the winery’s unique varieties. Each is described in detail by the passionate and charismatic winemaker Abraham de Klerk.
Symphony Hill is leaning into the Strange Bird ethos sourcing grapes from the Granite Belt region and as far afield as South Australia to create a dynamic and wide-ranging wine list with varieties such as Fiano, Nero d’Avola, and Tannat on show amongst their impressive range which includes at least seventeen Strange Bird varieties.
We left Symphony Hill with a few more bottles than we intended to buy and a new appreciation for the wine-making process. We highly recommend dropping in at Symphony Hill next time you are in Stanthorpe.
Expect: A wide range of unique wines and styles all executed well.
Useful Information
- Address: 2017 Eukey Rd, Ballandean QLD 4382
- Hours of Operation: Daily from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Website: https://symphonyhill.com.au/
- Cost: $5 per person refundable with wine purchase
Boireann Winery
Boireann Winery, and in our opinion the best winery in Stanthorpe, specializes in red varieties, particularly the Strange Birds. Four of their seven wines fall in the Strange Bird category, the Barbera, Nebbiolo, Sangiovese, and Tannat. Each impressive example of Australia’s potential to produce red varietals that have been shunned in the past.
The winemaker is a new player in the local scene who has taken the reins from the previous owner. But not before learning a thing or two from his predecessor.
Recognized as a five-star winery and included in James Halliday’s top 100 wineries, Boireann has a reputation for producing red wines equal to Australia’s best. We have to agree, Boireann produced some of the best reds we tried on our trip through Stanthorpe.
Expect: Deep complex reds with tannins on show.
Useful Information
- Address: 26 Donnellys Castle Rd, The Summit QLD 4376
- Hours of Operation: Friday – Monday from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Website: http://www.boireannwinery.com.au/
- Cost: $5 per person refundable with wine purchase
Bent Road Winery
Bent Road Winery is a must-visit on any trip and easily one of Stanthorpe’s best wineries. Established in 2000, the guys at Bent Road are helping the Granite Belt establish a name for itself as quality wines with their premium wine offerings.
Their Strange Bird varieties that should top your list of wines to try include a Saperavi hailing originally from the country of Georgia and a tempranillo.
Andrew Scott from Bent Road Winery has also been listed as one of Young Gun of Wines’ top 50 winemakers in 2020 for his own personal label La Petite Mort which is also available at Bent Road Winery.
Expect: Old-world wines with a modern twist.
Useful Information
- Address: 535 Bents Rd, Ballandean QLD 4382
- Hours of Operation: Appointments only
- Website: https://bentroadwine.com.au/
Ravens Croft
Ravens Croft is a pretty vineyard and winery located on the western side of Stanthorpe. Mark, the owner, originally from South Africa, brings with him a wealth of winemaking experience to the Granite Belt and a passion for Strange Bird wines.
Amongst his offering, Verdelho, Pinotage, Tempranillo, and a Petit Verdot, all Strange Bird varieties. He also produces a deliciously dry apple cider and an apple cider flavored with blood orange.
Expect: Fresh fruit-driven flavors.
Useful Information
- Address: 274 Spring Creek Rd, Stanthorpe QLD 4380
- Hours of Operation: Friday – Sunday from 10:30 am – 4:30 pm
- Website: https://www.ravenscroftwines.com.au/
- Cost: $5 per person refundable with wine purchase
Pyramids Road Wine
Another boutique winery, Pyramids Road Wine is a winery with a passion for novel wine varieties and for experimental wine-making methods. Pyramids Road is comprised of husband and wife team Warren and Sue who have been producing wine here for twenty years. They are still welcoming people into their rustic cellar door where they share their passion and deep knowledge of wine-making.
Amongst their range, Strange Birds Verdehlo, Petit Verdot, and Mourvedre.
Expect: Complex wines and experimentation
Useful Information
- Address: 25 Wyberba Lane, off Pyramids Road, Wyberba QLD 4382
- Hours of Operation: Daily from 10:00 am – 4:30 pm
- Website: Pyramids Road Wine
- Cost: $5 per person refundable with wine purchase
Twisted Gum Wines
Twisted Gum Wines is a tiny, winery located just east of Ballandean. This winery is unique with a focus on sustainability. They produce dry-grown wines. This means they source all of their grapes from their own vineyard and do not irrigate (this is set to change in the near future, as the ongoing drought is making this unfeasible).
Due to their small size and the fact that everything is done by hand, they only offer a handful of wines. Two whites, one rose, three reds, and a cordial sweet Rosato.
Although only one of their wines is considered a Strange Bird, their unique approach to small scale sustainable agriculture makes this an alternative winery in our eyes.
No stuffy cellar doors or salespeople here. We sat on the front porch of their Queenslander cottage come cellar door, in the morning sun as the passionate winemaker Michelle walked us through their range and their sustainable approach to viniculture. Just great wines, friendly and knowledgeable owners, all set on amongst a gorgeous vineyard.
Expect: Deep inky purple Shiraz.
Pro-tip: Twisted Gum offers more than just wine tastings. These guys host unique degustation events throughout the year. Regionally sourced ingredients are expertly prepared and paired with sensational wine served up amongst the vines under the stars. Spots are limited for each event and book up fast. Check out their website for more details on the next event!
They also have a cabin available that can sleep 6. Unfortunately, it was already booked when we visited, but after visiting the winery, we think it is definitely something you should check out. Click here for the most up-to-date prices!
Useful Information
- Address: 2253 Eukey Rd, Ballandean QLD 4382
- Hours of Operation: Weekends from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm and by appointment
- Website: https://twistedgum.com.au/
- Cost: $5 per person refundable with wine purchase
Balancing Heart Vineyard
New kid on the block Balancing Heart Vineyard, formerly known as Balancing Rock Vineyard, is the creation of a couple of Stanthorpe wine tasters and holidaymakers who decided to take the plunge to move here to live their dream in 2016. Since then they have been establishing a name and reputation for themselves with the assistance of Mike Hayes, the 2017 Australian winemaker of the year.
One of the most exciting grape varieties planted by Balancing Heart Vineyard is the sargantino grape originating from central Italy and the only one you will find in the Granite Belt, a true “Strange bird” on the Strange Bird Wine Trail.
Balancing Heart Vineyard also serves up some of the best wood-fired pizza you can find in the Granite Belt, so make sure to come hungry when you pop by.
Useful Information
- Address: 221 Old Wallangarra Rd, Wyberba QLD 4382, Australia
- Hours of Operation: Monday to Tursday from 10:00 am – 4:30 pm, Friday to Sunday from 10:00 am – 7:30 pm and by appointment
- Website: https://www.balancingheart.com.au/
Savina Lane Wines
With a focus on premium and exclusive bottles of Strange Bird varietals, Savina Lane is on our list of wineries to visit soon. If you like Ravens Croft wines, chances are that you will enjoy this Stanthorpe winery too, as the winemaker is also responsible for making some of these wines.
Useful Information
- Address: 61 Savina La, Severnlea QLD 4380, Australia
- Hours of Operation: By appointment
- Website: https://savinalanewines.com.au/
- Cost: $10 per person
Just Red Wines
As the name suggests, Just Red Wines specializes in red wine. Originally getting their start in New Zealand, Duo Tony and Julia have poured all of their blood, sweat, and tears into the wines cultivated on the Granite Belt. Find Australian classics such as the loved Shiraz alongside newcomers such as the Tannat from South America. A stop by Just Red Wines is a must for any red wine lover.
Useful Information
- Address: 2370 Eukey Rd, Ballandean QLD 4382, Australia
- Hours of Operation: Daily from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm (closed in September)
- Website: https://justred.com.au/
- Cost: $10 per person
Interested in other Stanthorpe WIneries?
If you cannot find a Stanthorpe winery to suit your liking, check out the complete Strange Bird Wine Trail Map provided by the Granite Belt Tourism Board.
Where to Stay in Stanthorpe and Ballandean
If you are truly going to get the most out of a weekend hunting for the best wineries in Stanthorpe, you will need a place to rest your head. Here are our favorite accommodation options for a wine weekend in Stanthorpe.
Just Red Wines
There is no better way to complete a wine weekend in Stanthorpe than by staying amongst the vineyards themselves. One of the best places to enjoy a lovely secluded cabin is at Just Red Wines. The small two-bedroom cabins are perfect for those looking to get away from it all.
The cabins are clean and spacious and have everything you need during a weekend away in Stanthorpe, even a wood-fired stove for heating the small cabin during the winter.
Granite Belt Motel
If you are looking to be in the center of Stanthorpe with access to restaurants, cafes, and bars, then Granite Belt Motel is a great option and won’t break the bank. WIth one-bedroom and two-bedroom options, you can find a place to suit your needs. With comfortable beds to rest your head after a long day of day drinking, spacious rooms, and friendly staff ready and willing to give their best piece of advice for exploring the area, the Granite Belt Motel ticks all the boxes for those wanting to be close to the city.
Looking for more on Stanthorpe and the Granite Belt? Check out these 15 great things to do in Stanthorpe.
Have you visited some of the best wineries in Stanthorpe? What did you think of our list of the Stanthorpe best wineries? Let us know below!
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